IIM Raipur's MBA in Public Policy and Governance: Eligibility Explained

The CAT 2026 notification has been released, and you can now explore the MBA in Public Policy and Governance (MBA-PPG) offered by IIM Raipur. The programme is offered under the Chief Minister's Good Governance Fellowship (CMGGF) in collaboration with the Department of Good Governance and Convergence, Government of Chhattisgarh, and Transform Rural India (TRI). It is open only to candidates who are domiciled in Chhattisgarh.

If you are planning to apply, it is important to understand the educational qualification, valid CAT scores, age limit, domicile requirement, selection process, and document requirements before submitting your application.

What is IIM Raipur's MBA in Public Policy and Governance?

The MBA in Public Policy and Governance is a two-year programme that combines management education with public policy and governance. Students learn through classroom sessions at IIM Raipur and practical assignments with departments of the Government of Chhattisgarh.

The programme focuses on policy implementation, governance, administration, and public leadership. Students also get opportunities to work on real government projects and interact with senior administrators.

Some important features of the programme include:

• Full tuition fee sponsorship by the Government of Chhattisgarh for selected candidates

• Monthly stipend of ₹50,000

• Classroom learning at IIM Raipur

• Practical governance experience with government departments and district administration

• Exposure to public policy and governance projects

IIM Raipur MBA in Public Policy and Governance Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must satisfy all eligibility conditions before submitting the application form.

Educational Qualification

Applicants must have any one of the following qualifications from a recognised institution:

• Bachelor's degree

• Chartered Accountant (CA)

• Cost and Management Accountant (CMA/ICWA)

• Company Secretary (CS)

The minimum marks required are:

Candidates with work experience in public policy, public administration, or social development are encouraged to apply. However, work experience is not mentioned as a mandatory requirement.

Valid CAT Scores for IIM Raipur MBA in Public Policy and Governance 

Admission to the programme is based on valid CAT scores.

For the 2026–28 batch, candidates can apply using any one of the following CAT scores:

• CAT 2023

• CAT 2024

• CAT 2025

Candidates who have appeared for CAT more than once during these years must submit their highest CAT score.

The institute prepares the shortlist for the Personal Interview (PI) after considering the CAT cut-offs decided for each category.

Domicile Requirement

This programme is available only for candidates who are domiciled in Chhattisgarh.

Applicants must:

• Submit a valid Chhattisgarh domicile certificate during the application process.

• Produce the original domicile certificate during the Personal Interview and document verification.

Candidates who do not meet the domicile requirement are not eligible for admission.

Age Limit for IIM Raipur MBA in Public Policy and Governance

Candidates can apply only if they satisfy the prescribed age limit.

The maximum age permitted is:

How Does IIM Raipur Shortlist Candidates? 

After applications close, IIM Raipur prepares category-wise shortlists based on CAT performance.

Separate shortlists are prepared for:

• Unreserved (UR)

• Scheduled Caste (SC)

• Scheduled Tribe (ST)

• Other Backward Class – Non-Creamy Layer (NC-OBC)

The CAT cut-off for each category is decided after reviewing the applications received.

Shortlisted candidates are invited for the Personal Interview (PI).

Personal Interview (PI) Process 

The Personal Interview assesses different aspects of a candidate.

The interview panel evaluates:

• Academic background

• General awareness

• Social outlook

• Personality

• Communication skills

• Attitude

• Quality of work experience, where applicable

Candidates must bring all original documents for verification during the interview process.

Documents Required for Verification 

Candidates must produce the original documents mentioned in their application.

These include:

• Educational mark sheets

• Degree certificates

• CAT scorecard

• Category certificate, if applicable

• Chhattisgarh domicile certificate

• Other supporting documents mentioned in the application form

Failure to produce valid documents may affect the admission process.

How is the Final Merit List Prepared?

The final merit list is prepared out of 100 marks.

The CAT Index Score is calculated using equal weight for the three CAT sections and the overall percentile.

Academic Performance is calculated using marks obtained in:

• Class X

• Class XII or equivalent

• Graduation

The scores from these academic stages are first calculated individually and then rescaled before preparing the final merit list.

Reservation Policy

The programme follows the reservation policy prescribed by the Government of Chhattisgarh.

Candidates seeking reservation must submit valid category certificates issued by the competent authority of the State of Chhattisgarh in the prescribed format.

Admission Process

Admission offers are made based on the final category-wise merit list.

Selected candidates must complete document verification after reporting to the institute.

If any incorrect information or false declaration is found at any stage, the candidature may be cancelled even after admission.

The institute also states that admission results are shared through secure candidate login portals to maintain confidentiality and privacy.

Important Points Before You Apply 

Before applying, candidates should remember the following:

• Read the complete admission policy carefully.

• Fill the application form with correct information.

• Submit valid educational and domicile documents.

• Use the highest valid CAT score if you appeared more than once.

• Produce original documents during the Personal Interview.

• Do not attempt to influence the admission process, as canvassing can lead to disqualification.

The MBA in Public Policy and Governance at IIM Raipur offers an opportunity for Chhattisgarh-domiciled candidates who want to work in governance and public administration. The programme combines management education with field experience in government departments. Candidates applying through CAT 2026 should carefully check the educational qualification, CAT score validity, domicile requirement, age limit, and document requirements before submitting their application. Meeting all the eligibility conditions is essential to participate in the admission process successfully.